Two fires broke out across Barking and Dagenham overnight (credit:London Fire Brigade)
Two people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Mizzen Street at around 12.45am this morning (Thursday, 3 October).
Around 60 firefighters were called to the scene and led 50 people to safety. It took less than an hour to get the fire under control. A flat on the sixth on the sixth floor of the seven-storey building was mostly destroyed by the flames.
In a separate incident, which is also under investigation, around 60 firefighters tackled a portable cabin fire on Green Lane in Dagenham.
Half of a single-storey portable cabin being used as a science room was damaged by fire.
The first of five calls to emergency services was just gone 12.33am. Emergency services had the fire under control by 02.39am.
There were no injuries.
Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: “Overnight, firefighters tackled two significant fires in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
“Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire which affected a single storey portable cabin at a school on Green Lane in Dagenham. Although significant damage has been sustained to the portable cabin, which was used as a classroom, firefighters’ worked hard to contain the fire and prevented further damage to other school buildings. Most importantly, no one was injured.
“Additionally, eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters attended a flat fire on Mizzen Street in Barking. Firefighters ensured the damage was limited to one flat, which was sadly mostly destroyed. Around 50 people were led to safety from the property by firefighters, with one adult man and one adult woman taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
“We’re aware that these two fires have happened in the wake of several other fires in the Borough this year. This morning, local firefighters, officers, our Schools Team and our Community Engagement team are in the area to provide support to the local community.”
“Several affected residents were relocated to ensure their safety. Our firefighters and officers provided support to them during what was undoubtedly a difficult and distressing time. We also liaised with the local authority and housing association.
“Crews were on scene at both fires throughout the night damping down and we will remain on scene this afternoon monitoring any hotspots.
“I’d also like to thank our Control Officers who ensured crews were available to respond to other incidents in the area whilst these incidents were ongoing.”
